The Bel Air Dam (MA1061) is located in the City of Pittsfield in Berkshire County and impounds Pontoosuc Brook, which is a tributary to the West Branch of the Housatonic River. The construction of the dam was contracted in 1832, and it was originally used for power generation for a woolen mill until the 1920s. In the 1940s the use of the mill for wool production was abandoned. Bel Air Dam is now located upstream of several businesses, residences, and thoroughfares. A failure of the dam at maximum pool may cause loss of life and substantial damage to downstream buildings, roadways, and other infrastructure. Therefore, in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MassDCR) Dam Safety Regulations, Bel Air Dam is classified as a HIGH (Class I) Hazard Potential dam.
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November 25, 2025, Construction Update
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Latest Documents
- Bel Air Dam Removal Air Quality Monitoring Program Revision Nov 2025 File extension: pdf File size: 637 kB
- Bel Air Dam Air Monitoring Summary November 10-16, 2025 File extension: pdf File size: 498 kB
- Bel Air Dam Air Monitoring Summary November 3-9, 2025 File extension: pdf File size: 495 kB
- Bel Air Dam Air Monitoring Summary October 27-November 2, 2025 File extension: pdf File size: 501 kB
- Bel Air Dam Air Monitoring Summary October 20-26, 2025 File extension: pdf File size: 505 kB
